Federal government shutdown could impact SNAP benefits in NY

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)—As the federal government shutdown continues, the state estimates that nearly 3 million New Yorkers who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, may lose their benefits starting in November.

It’s been more than 20 days since the federal government shutdown, with no end insight. 

“We’re on the cliff of a hunger crisis of the greatest proportion in modern American history,” said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America.

According to Berg, if SNAP benefits aren’t restored before the end of October, it will cause a wide-ranging negative impact.

“Not only will 3 million New Yorkers lose food, there are 16,000 retailers in New York State— farmers markets, bodegas, corner stores, local grocery stores, big box stores will not get that income. I fear some of those stores would have to lay off or even fire employees.”

He added while there are organizations that help those needing food, it’s just not enough.

“It’s important to note that the food banks, and soup kitchens, and food pantries, do an incredible job filling in the gaps, the SNAP program equals 10 times the dollar amount of food they distribute.”

In a press release issued last week, Barbara Guinn, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance said, “SNAP is the largest and most effective hunger prevention program in the country and to permit monthly benefits to halt would be unprecedented…recipients, most of whom are children, older adults or disabled, count on SNAP every month to feed their families.”

Could New York State fund SNAP until the shutdown is over?

“The Hochul Administration’s position is they either don’t have legal authority or the money to fill this in,” said Berg. “There is no guarantee that if the State of New York did pay for it itself, that it would ever get reimbursed by the federal government.”

New York has advised districts to continue to operate SNAP without any changes and to continue processing applications through October 31st.

Berg said the best way to fix the problem is for Congress to agree on a bipartisan plan and reopen the government. 

“If this isn’t settled very quickly, at bare minimum, there will be a delay in people getting food. And food delayed is food denied.”